Lasers. LED lights. Sonic vibrations. The at-home beauty world has gone decidedly high tech. New tools and devices are coming out seemingly every day, promising smoother, cleaner, firmer, brighter skin, and using techniques previously only available at a dermatologist’s office. Some of them, no wonder, cost a small fortune.

Derms are wary of many off-the-shelf products promising clinical-level results. “We live in that world based on technology and devices, which has now spilled over to our skin-care,” Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai, tells SELF. “I warn my patients not to be too influenced by the promise of high-tech devices that may not deliver the results you may be expecting based on what you pay for them.”

But there are some beauty devices that even the skin experts believe are worth a try—and worth the cost. We asked five dermatologists which at-home skin-care tools really work. These are the ones they stand behind.

Clarisonic Facial Cleansing Brushes, $99-$349

Clarisonic’s growing line of cleansing brushes have been hugely popular for years—with good reason. The brush’s vibrations remove dirt and debris on the outer layer of the skin, giving you a better clean than washing your face the old fashioned way.

“There is data showing that Clarisonic can more fully remove pollution from the skin than washing your face without the device,” says Dr. Zeichner, adding that it is gentle enough to be used across all skin types.

“If you are acne prone this is one of the best tools you can get for at-home use,” dermatologist and RealSelf contributor Michele Green, M.D., tells SELF. “Because the brush cleans the skin and pores so well, it makes absorption of skin-care products easier.”

Cosmetic dermatologist Anna Guanche, M.D., recommends the brush along with prescription cleansers for patients with acne and rosacea. She notes that some rosacea patients may be too sensitive to use it, but for those with oily, acne-prone skin, the method show really good results.

PMD Exfoliator Personal Microderm Device, $145

Dermatologist and RealSelf contributor Joel Schlessinger, M.D., says this exfoliating tool can provide “some of the benefits of a microdermabrasion treatment—although not quite the same as a full-fledged treatment—in the comfort of your home.” Those benefits include a smoother, more even skin tone, and a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and acne breakouts.

On the tool’s spinning discs are the same professional-grade aluminum oxide crystals you’d find on a machine at the derm’s office, and Dr. Schlessinger says it has proven to be an effective at-home option for his patients.

Dr. Green is a fan, saying, “It leaves your skin super clean and energized,” and Dr. Jaliman points out that it “has a vacuum-like technology, which brings blood to the surface of your skin. This suction gives your face a healthy glow and increases circulation to the area.”

Though microdermabrasion sounds like an aggressive thing to try at home, Dr. Guanche says “there’s no harm here except for very sensitive skin types that might find their skin raw.”

Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x, $404

This hair removal tool uses the same laser technology as dermatologists do in-office to target the hair follicle and stop (or seriously diminish) hair growth. Truth: $400 is a lot to drop on a beauty device (or most things for that matter!). But that’s about how much a single laser hair removal session might cost you, and you’ll typically need three to eight depending on the size of the area you’re treating, so the value is there.

That being said, the results probably won’t be as good or as fast as getting a professional treatment (according to the website, you use it every two weeks until you start seeing the results you want). “I have had patients that have used it with good results,” says Dr. Jaliman. “However, you will not get the same results from a laser hair removal treatment done at a doctor's office or medical spa.”

Dr. Schlessinger believes this tool complements in-office hair removal treatments. “It’s a great touch-up or maintenance hair removal device to have at home after completing a hair removal laser treatment regimen at your dermatologist’s office,” he says. “It’s effective at permanently reducing light brown to dark hair types, plus it’s safe to use on the face.”

Dr. Green points out that it’s only approved for light skin colors and darker hair. It’s not for use on dark skin, and white, blonde, red or grey hair will not absorb enough energy to disable the hair follicle.

NuFace Trinity, $325

This handheld device is meant to help tone the skin for a more contoured, firm look, while also diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “It uses microcurrent technology to help stimulate collagen to firm the skin,” explains Dr. Zeichner. He says it’s ideal for people who are beginning to experience sagging.

Dr. Zeichner does believe this product works, but not immediately. “The product does not give results overnight and needs to be used consistently over months for maximum results,” he says. Dr. Jaliman also approves, telling SELF that “most people do see great results” with this device. Dr. Schlessinger is very enthusiastic about its benefits: “It is absolutely worth it! It’s easy to use and many users see the results.”

Before making the purchase, one thing to note is that results are temporary, so you have to keep using it. Perhaps the more you use it, the more you can justify the pretty significant cost.

Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask, $30

When Neutrogena came out with this light therapy acne mask last year, it was all the buzz. Not just because of its claim to clear acne, but because of its price point of under $40. With a price tag that low and expectations that high, a lot of people (myself included) were skeptical about how well it would actually work. A year later consumers, editors, and dermatologists alike swear by its results.

Although the device uses much lower energy than in-office light treatments, when done consistently, it really does help. “Blue light machines are worth the money if the user is disciplined enough to use them as directed and for the set amount of time,” Dr. Guanche tells SELF. “This is important.”

Indeed, sometimes getting the best results from any of these devices requires an investment of both money and time.